Sheffield United 1989-90 Promotion Year
These photographs were originally taken to publicise the BBC 2, 6 part series ‘United’, which followed Sheffield United’s (The Blades) progress to Division One (now the Premier League) during the 1989-90 season. They are intended to show the club as a cohesive family of passionate fans, players and management who are devoted to the success of ‘United’.
Sheffield United’s manager was Dave (Harry) Bassett between 1988-95, he masterminded United’s promotion to First Division football for the 1990-91 season. Top scorers during the 1989-90 season were: Brian Deane 21 goals, Tony Agana 10 goals, and Ian Bryson 9 goals, the team captain was central defender Paul Stancliffe.
“I moved to Sheffield in September 1979 to study photography at the Psalter Lane Art College, living at the end of Woodhead Road which adjoins Bramall Lane. Before the upper tier of the Westfield Health Corner Stand was built, I could clearly see from my bedroom window the central part of the pitch, but not either goal mouth. During those dark, cold and often rainy Saturday afternoons I loved watching the flood lit game from my bedroom, but had to guess from the collective sound of the fans whether there was a goal, corner, free kick or foul!
“As an outsider, I admired the sense of identity and purpose Blades supporters had and could appreciate the rewards of belonging to a wider community of like minded people.”
Enclosed are a selection of photographs taken from this project.
All images are Strictly Copyright © Bill Stephenson – All Rights Reserved
Feature story from BBC online South Yorkshire, December 2023
“Bill Stephenson was a fine art student living a stone’s throw from Bramall Lane when he was commissioned to take promotional photos for a 1990 BBC documentary United.
“The cameras arrived in good time, capturing Sheffield United’s promotion-winning 1989/90 season and the feel-good factor around the club’s return to the old First Division.
“Among those pictured was actor and Blades fan Sean Bean, who Stephenson, now 68 and retired from his career as a commercial and social documentary photographer, bumped into with his friends before a match. …”
Blades 1989-90 was published by Lower Block in April 2024. The photographs follow Sheffield United and their supporters home and away during their promotion winning 1989-90 season. This work was originally commissioned to promote the BBC 2, 6 part series ‘United’, which was broadcast in 1990.
Lower Block specialises in curating the best photographic content, celebrating football culture, lifestyle and community from around the world.
Pre-match build up
[SU 01] Police briefing at a warehouse near the ground 2 hours before the 3pm match kick off against Watford, FA Challenge Cup, 4th Round. Final score 1-1. 27.01.90.
[SU 02] Visiting fans arrive by coach outside the John Street Family Stand.
[SU 03] Season ticket holder entering the ground through a narrow turnstile entrance on Bramall Lane. The narrow entrance meant only one person with one ticket could enter the ground at a time. This stopped multiple people attempting to pushing through with one ticket. Large gates were opened at end of the game to speed fans exit.
[SU 04] Actor Sean Bean (L) and his mates outside the Sportsman pub,10 Denby Street, off Bramall Lane. The Sportsman opened in 1901 and closed in 2014, it was later converted into the Sportsman Residential Flats in 2016. It was a popular pub for pre-match drinks and meeting place for the BBC (Blades Business Crew).
[SU 05] Sean Bean and his mates finish their pints in unison before going into the ground.
[SU 06] Sean Bean has been a supporter since he was 8 yrs and has a ‘100% Blade’ shoulder tattoo. He later became a board director between 2002-2007.
[SU 07] Boy waits for his dad outside the Sportsman.
[SU 08] He peeps through the door of the Sportsman trying to see him.
[SU 09] Pre-match drinkers in the crowded Sportsman pub.
[SU10] Super fan Winnie Royston in the Sportsman pub. She is holding a Bertie Bassett doll mascot, based on the Bassett’s Liquorice Allsorts figure. The presumed link is manager Dave (Harry) Bassett and Bertie Bassett’s common surname. Dave Bassett was known as ‘Harry’ after the escapologist Harry Houdini, due to his ability to escape relegation a number of times.
[SU 11] A member of the Blades Business Crew (BBC) strikes a pose outside the ground. His neck tattoo says ‘Ian Curtiss RIP’. The BBC were hooligans often involved in fighting with visiting supporters. They were particularly active during the 1980’s-90’s.
[SU 12] A member of the Blades Business Crew (BBC) outside the Sing Hill police station.
Match days
[SU 13] Striker Tony Agana leads the team out against Watford in the FA Challenge Cup, 4th Round. Final score 1-1. 27.01.90.
[SU 14] United fans at the Watford FA Challenge Cup.
[SU 15] United fan at the Watford FA Challenge Cup.
[SU 16] Central defender and team captain Paul Stancliffe, played for United between 1983-90. Known by fans as ‘Stan the Man’, he leads his team out against Newcastle United. He is followed by midfielder Bob Booker. Final score 1-1. 24.02.90
[SU 17] Girl watches me at the Newcastle United game.
[SU 18] Woman & smoking man watch the Newcastle United match.
[SU 19] Girlfriends of United players watch the Newcastle game.
[SU 20] Blades fans ‘taking the mickey’ out of me… much to the amusement of the crowd.
[SU 21] Blades fans ‘taking the mickey’ out of me… much to the amusement of the crowd.
[SU 22] Euphoric fans celebrate after United score against West Bromwich Albion. Final score 3-1. 02.12.89
[SU 23] Fans celebrate another goal after United score against West Bromwich Albion.
[SU 24] Boy watching AFC Bournemouth. FA Cup 3rd round. Final score 2-0. 06.01.90
[SU 25] Boy and his dad in a pitch side dugout watch the AFC Bournemouth match.
[SU 26] Deflated fan laments after losing to local rivals Barnsley. Final score 1-2. 24.03.90
Club activities off the pitch
[SU 27] Bootboys in the boot room. They are members of the club’s youth apprentice scheme. L-R John Reed, Lee Morris, Steve Circuit. Bootboys amongst other duties, clean the boots of the senior professional players. They all later became successful professional footballers.
[SU 28] Mary Coldwell holds up midfielder Ian Bryson’s No 11 shirt in the laundry room.
[SU 29] Martyn Hawthorn and his daughter Danielle aged 2. He has registered her as a Junior Blades Supporter at the club shop.
[SU 30] Physiotherapist Derek French, known as ‘Frenchie’ and striker Brian Deane. Brian was United’s top scorer playing between 1988-93.
[SU 31] Striker Billy Whitehurst, renowned as one the hardest players in the game, waiting for routine treatment from physiotherapist Derek French.
Away match against Bradford City (the Bantams) at the Valley Parade ground. United win 4-1. 03.03.90
[SU 32] Away match coach trip to Bradford City. Everyone is singing “…the blades are going up… the blades are going up…”
[SU 33] Playing bingo en route to the Bradford City Ground. The man standing in the coach aisle is calling out bingo numbers.
[SU 34] United supporters grab a burger before the match.
[SU 35] Midfielder John Gannon runs onto the pitch at the start of the Bradford City game.
[SU 36] United supporters are euphoric as they score another goal against Bradford City.
[SU 37] Young women in their away kit celebrate United’s 4-1 win after returning to the Sportsman pub.
United suffered a devastating defeat against long time rivals Manchester United, losing 1-0 after a disputed corner in the FA Cup Quarter-final, 6th round. 11.03.90.
Manchester went on to win the FA Cup final 1:0 against Crystal Palace.
[SU 38] Manchester United defender Gary Pallister and referee leave the pitch at Half Time. Manchester are 1-0 up.
[SU 39] Midfielder Dane Whitehouse is stretchered off, during Manchester United game. He was taken by ambulance for an X-ray, fortunately no serious injury was reported.
[SU 40] Referee and lines men drink tea at half time.
Physically and emotionally exhausted players in the team changing room and showers after losing to Manchester United.
[SU 41] Team captain Paul Stancliffe and midfielder Paul Wood.
[SU 42] Goalkeeper Simon Tracy and centre back Colin Hill.
[SU 43] Players head to the communal showers.
[SU 44] Players take a shower.
[SU 45] Midfielder Bob Booker.
[SU 46] Team captain Paul Stancliffe
Miss Sheffield United Beauty Competition
[SU 47] Miss Sheffield United Contestants 1989-90. This annual event was held at the Lane Social Club, Bramall Lane.
[SU 48] Miss Sheffield United Contest winner Louise Bartells.
[SU 49] Miss Sheffield United Contest Winner Louise Bartells with her trophy, presented by manager Dave Bassett and striker Brian Deane.
[SU 50] ‘Singles Night’ was a dating event held at the Lane Social Club each Thursday night. It was known as ‘grab a granny’ as admittance was limited to over 25 year olds.
Past Board Members and Chairmen
[SU 51] Derek Dooley MBE (1929-2008). Managing Directer and chairman 1999-2006.
[SU 52] Alan Laver (1923-97). Local timber merchants Arnold Laver & Co Ltd were the main team sponsor of Sheffield United between 1985-95. His father Arnold Laver was director of the club for 30 years, who was later followed by his son Alan.
In 2023 Sheffield United were promoted to the Premier League, after many years absence Arnold Laver were once again the clubs principle sponsor.
[SU 53] Paul Woolhouse 1991-92
[SU 54] Richard Wragg 1990-92
[SU 55] Dick Wragg 1961-76.
Pre-match build up
[SU 01] Police briefing at a warehouse near the ground 2 hours before the 3pm match kick off against Watford, FA Challenge Cup, 4th Round. Final score 1-1. 27.01.90.
[SU 02] Visiting fans arrive by coach outside the John Street Family Stand.
[SU 03] Season ticket holder entering the ground through a narrow turnstile entrance on Bramall Lane. The narrow entrance meant only one person with one ticket could enter the ground at a time. This stopped multiple people attempting to pushing through with one ticket. Large gates were opened at end of the game to speed fans exit.
[SU 04] Actor Sean Bean (L) and his mates outside the Sportsman pub,10 Denby Street, off Bramall Lane. The Sportsman opened in 1901 and closed in 2014, it was later converted into the Sportsman Residential Flats in 2016. It was a popular pub for pre-match drinks and meeting place for the BBC (Blades Business Crew).
[SU 05] Sean Bean and his mates finish their pints in unison before going into the ground.
[SU 06] Sean Bean has been a supporter since he was 8 yrs and has a ‘100% Blade’ shoulder tattoo. He later became a board director between 2002-2007.
[SU 07] Boy waits for his dad outside the Sportsman.
[SU 08] He peeps through the door of the Sportsman trying to see him.
[SU 09] Pre-match drinkers in the crowded Sportsman pub.
[SU10] Super fan Winnie Royston in the Sportsman pub. She is holding a Bertie Bassett doll mascot, based on the Bassett’s Liquorice Allsorts figure. The presumed link is manager Dave (Harry) Bassett and Bertie Bassett’s common surname. Dave Bassett was known as ‘Harry’ after the escapologist Harry Houdini, due to his ability to escape relegation a number of times.
[SU 11] A member of the Blades Business Crew (BBC) strikes a pose outside the ground. His neck tattoo says ‘Ian Curtiss RIP’. The BBC were hooligans often involved in fighting with visiting supporters. They were particularly active during the 1980’s-90’s.
[SU 12] A member of the Blades Business Crew (BBC) outside the Sing Hill police station.
Match Days
[SU 13] Striker Tony Agana leads the team out against Watford in the FA Challenge Cup, 4th Round. Final score 1-1. 27.01.90.
[SU 14] United fans at the Watford FA Challenge Cup.
[SU 15] United fan at the Watford FA Challenge Cup.
[SU 16] Central defender and team captain Paul Stancliffe, played for United between 1983-90. Known by fans as ‘Stan the Man’, he leads his team out against Newcastle United. He is followed by midfielder Bob Booker. Final score 1-1. 24.02.90
[SU 17] Girl watches me at the Newcastle United game.
[SU 18] Woman & smoking man watch the Newcastle United match.
[SU 19] Girlfriends of United players watch the Newcastle game.
[SU 20] Blades fans ‘taking the mickey’ out of me… much to the amusement of the crowd.
[SU 21] Blades fans ‘taking the mickey’ out of me… much to the amusement of the crowd.
[SU 22] Euphoric fans celebrate after United score against West Bromwich Albion. Final score 3-1. 02.12.89
[SU 23] Fans celebrate another goal after United score against West Bromwich Albion.
[SU 24] Boy watching AFC Bournemouth. FA Cup 3rd round. Final score 2-0. 06.01.90
[SU 25] Boy and his dad in a pitch side dugout watch the AFC Bournemouth match.
[SU 26] Deflated fan laments after losing to local rivals Barnsley. Final score 1-2. 24.03.90
Club activities off the pitch
[SU 27] Bootboys in the boot room. They are members of the club’s youth apprentice scheme. L-R John Reed, Lee Morris, Steve Circuit. Bootboys amongst other duties, clean the boots of the senior professional players. They all later became successful professional footballers.
[SU 28] Mary Coldwell holds up midfielder Ian Bryson’s No 11 shirt in the laundry room.
[SU 29] Martyn Hawthorn and his daughter Danielle aged 2. He has registered her as a Junior Blades Supporter at the club shop.
[SU 30] Physiotherapist Derek French, known as ‘Frenchie’ and striker Brian Deane. Brian was United’s top scorer playing between 1988-93.
[SU 31] Striker Billy Whitehurst, renowned as one the hardest players in the game, waiting for routine treatment from physiotherapist Derek French.
Away match against Bradford City (the Bantams) at the Valley Parade ground. United win 4-1. 03.03.90
[SU 32] Away match coach trip to Bradford City. Everyone is singing “…the blades are going up… the blades are going up…”
[SU 33] Playing bingo en route to the Bradford City Ground. The man standing in the coach aisle is calling out bingo numbers.
[SU 34] United supporters grab a burger before the match.
[SU 35] Midfielder John Gannon runs onto the pitch at the start of the Bradford City game.
[SU 36] United supporters are euphoric as they score another goal against Bradford City.
[SU 37] Young women in their away kit celebrate United’s 4-1 win after returning to the Sportsman pub.
United suffered a devastating defeat against long time rivals Manchester United, losing 1-0 after a disputed corner in the FA Cup Quarter-final, 6th round. 11.03.90.
Manchester went on to win the FA Cup final 1:0 against Crystal Palace.
[SU 38] Manchester United defender Gary Pallister and referee leave the pitch at Half Time. Manchester are 1-0 up.
[SU 39] Midfielder Dane Whitehouse is stretchered off, during Manchester United game. He was taken by ambulance for an X-ray, fortunately no serious injury was reported.
[SU 40] Referee and lines men drink tea at half time.
Physically and emotionally exhausted players in the team changing room and showers after losing to Manchester United.
[SU 41] Team captain Paul Stancliffe and midfielder Paul Wood.
[SU 42] Goalkeeper Simon Tracy and centre back Colin Hill.
[SU 43] Players head to the communal showers.
[SU 44] Players take a shower.
[SU 45] Midfielder Bob Booker.
[SU 46] Team captain Paul Stancliffe
Miss Sheffield United Beauty Competition
[SU 47] Miss Sheffield United Contestants 1989-90. This annual event was held at the Lane Social Club, Bramall Lane.
[SU 48] Miss Sheffield United Contest winner Louise Bartells.
[SU 49] Miss Sheffield United Contest Winner Louise Bartells with her trophy, presented by manager Dave Bassett and striker Brian Deane.
[SU 50] ‘Singles Night’ was a dating event held at the Lane Social Club each Thursday night. It was known as ‘grab a granny’ as admittance was limited to over 25 year olds.
Past Board Members and Chairmen
[SU 51] Derek Dooley MBE (1929-2008). Managing Directer and chairman 1999-2006.
[SU 52] Alan Laver (1923-97). Local timber merchants Arnold Laver & Co Ltd were the main team sponsor of Sheffield United between 1985-95. His father Arnold Laver was director of the club for 30 years, who was later followed by his son Alan.
In 2023 Sheffield United were promoted to the Premier League, after many years absence Arnold Laver were once again the clubs principle sponsor.
[SU 53] Paul Woolhouse 1991-92
[SU 54] Richard Wragg 1990-92
[SU 55] Dick Wragg 1961-76.
All images are Strictly Copyright © Bill Stephenson – All Rights Reserved